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Rels 402 / Wmgs 412
Narrative reflection papers – Worth 40%
Keep in mind that the purpose of reading each of these narratives is to explore the life experiences of
people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or intersexual.
The specific goal is for you to listen to the voices in the narratives as if they were friends or classmates
on campus. What do they want to say to you about their lives? What can you learn from each
person? What do you learn about yourself as you carefully listen to the stories we read?

Listen patiently to the voices in the narratives. Let each person tell you what he or she has to say
to you. Do not judge them or argue with them.

Pay special attention to the feelings expressed by each person. Note whether they have feelings
of sadness, fear, joy, hope, anger, and so on.

Articulate these feelings in your reflection, and where it is appropriate, link them to life experiences
and encounters in the person’s life.

In an empathetic manner, show that you have been carefully listening to the voices of the people
in the narrative by summarizing what they have told you.

When you read something that you do not understand or want to know more about, imagine that
the person is sitting at the table with us and ask them to tell you more or explain what they mean.
Be sure not to do this in a confrontational manner, however.
o
Do you sense that the person is leaving out parts of his or her story? Might this be
because it is too painful or too confusing for them? What might this be?
o
Do you feel that the people in each story would welcome your input or feelings or views? If
so, what would want to say to them?

Are there specific religious or spiritual aspects to their lives and stories? What are these?

Final reflections:
o
What have you learned about yourself from this encounter?
o
Has this story raised new questions or new insights for you about the material we are
covering in our course?
Three narrative reflection papers should be 3 to 4 pages. Choose one from each tradition for a longer
reflection. Each is due on the date it will be discussed in class (see the class schedule). These 3 are
worth 10% each. Note: you may NOT do a longer reflection on the same narrative for which you are a
seminar leader.
Five narrative reflections may be “quick” papers – 1 to 1½ pages each. These 5 are worth 2 points
each = 10%. Bring 2 copies to class with you: one to hand in at the beginning of class and one to keep
for sharing in discussion.
There are therefore 8 reflection papers. You may submit these in an informal format (but typed, not
handwritten). 3 longer, 10% each = 30%; 5 quick, 2% each = 10%; TOTAL = 40%
WHEN YOU ARE LEADER FOR ONE CLASS, you should be prepared to share some or all of your
reflection with us and prepare questions to initiate class discussion on the narrative reading. See
seminar leader guidelines.